Flights to La Rochelle

Visit ‘La Ville Blanche’ with Ryanair. Book flights to La Rochelle to see one of France’s prettiest and most relatively undiscovered little seaside towns, situated right on the stunning Atlantic coast. As soon as you witness the bright sun bouncing off the town’s pale limestone buildings you’ll understand why it’s nicknamed the White City. But La Rochelle glows just as much at night as it does during the day, and the nightlife is every bit as pleasant and buzzing as you’d expect from a French resort town! Book flights to La Rochelle for a fantastic French seaside escape.

Flights from La Rochelle

You will enjoy exploring the city on foot, from the old harbour lined with seafood restaurants to the historical centre with its unique architectural heritage and the city walls open for an evening promenade. The city is also a popular resort for cruises, pleasure sailing or fishing.

Events

La Rochelle also plays host to two major internationally-renowned events: the
Francofolies music festival and the Grand Pavois boat show.
Un Violin sur la Sable’ is unmissable for classic music fans. Taking place between in July, the festival attracts stars such as Nathalie Dessay and Renaud Capucon.

Major Attractions

La Rochelle’s Aquarium is one of Europe’s biggest private aquariums, and has more than 12,000 marine creatures living in 3 million litres of water.
La Palmyre Zoo, in Les Mathes, is one of the most renowned zoos in Europe and is home to over 1,600 animals and 140 different species from all over the world.

Rochefort, 4 centuries of history

Rochefort, which during the time of Louis XIV was the French King’s maritime arsenal, is a fascinating and cultural city with, at its centre, a marina that also stretches up along the River Charente.
One of its more imposing buildings, measuring more than 350m long, is the Royal Rope Factory, where the ropes and rigging for the king’s ships were made. Over the past fifteen years, work has been in progress to build a unique full-size replica of the Hermione, the frigate on which Lafayette sailed to America in 1780 to fight in the revolution.

Old Town & Old Harbour

In the Old Harbour and through the Old City’s arcade streets you can enjoy nice walking tours on foot or by horse-drawn cart. You will see medieval houses, fine Renaissance homes and 18th-century residences, as well as sober and noble town mansions from ship-owners.

Hotel de Ville

Hotel de Ville (Town Hall) is a Renaissance building protected by a huge Gothic wall. This is one of the symbols of La Rochelle’s history and the architecture is stunning. Inside you can find numerous souvenirs of the town's history.

At the Maritime Museum is located in the heart of La Rochelle. Here you will find everything for the ship and fish industry enthusiasts! At the museum you can go on guided tours and talk to former sailors.

From La Rochelle you can go on a boat that takes you to beautiful Ré, Aix and Oléron islands, viewing famous Fort Boyard on the way. Several agencies and the tourist office offer tours. A wide range of nautical activities such as sailing schools or personalized cruises are also available.

Ré Island

If you don’t feel comfortable on a boat, you may rent a bike and go to the Ré Island on an excursion. Enjoy the empty beaches, sensational Atlantic sunsets and delicious seafood at this beautiful island!

This is one of the vastest European aquariums featuring some 10,000 creatures from the Atlantic, the Mediterranean and the Tropics! La Rochelle Aquarium is also a centre for protecting and studying different marine species.

If you are staying in La Rochelle and want to go on a day trip, Fouras is a small coastal town that is located south. Here you can find beautiful beaches, restaurants and piers. You can also reach the famous Fort Boyard with the ferries from here.

​Address: Fouras, La Rochelle, France

Plage de Chatelaillon

Plage de Chatelaillon is a popular beach resort located south of the city centre. Enjoy your day here walking along the seaside on this long stretch of golden sand. In the evening you can have a nice dinner in one of the cosy restaurants.

​Address: Châtelaillon-Plage, La Rochelle

Cathedrale St-Louis

This cathedral is a national monument located in Place de Verdun and is definitely worth a visit. Cathedrale St-Louis is truly majestic and inside you can find many masterpieces.

​Address: Place de Verdun, La Rochelle

Le Bunker de La Rochelle

In 1941, Le Bunker de La Rochelle was built by the Germans in secrecy. Today the bunker is a museum that traces back to the period of the Second World War in La Rochelle. In the museum you can see photos and much more.

Musee des Beaux-Arts in la Rochelle has a rich collection of art works. The beautiful museum is located in the centre of town and is well worth a visit. Here you can find art works by Eugene Fromentin, William Bouguereau and Camille Corot.

​Address: 28 rue Gargoulleau, La Rochelle​Phone: +33 546 41 64 65

Spa La Rochelle

If you want to spoil yourself you can visit Spa La Rochelle for an escape from everyday life. Enjoy yourself having a massage or treatment in an enchanting atmosphere right in the middle of the city.

If you are feeling adventurous, contact Altitudes. They are located right next to airport and offers both solo and tandem skydiving. If it is you first time skydiving they recommend discovering La Rochelle.

La Rochelle and the surrounding region have many culinary assets. The gourmets will be spoiled with seafood dishes. In one of the many restaurants of the old city, you will find one of the delights of the ocean, like the famous Oyster Marenne d’Oléron. Trying this is a must! Those who are fond of snails will try the succulent dishes of Cagouilles also called “small gray”. Other regional recipes include the famous melon charentais, coq au pineau (rooster with Pineau des Charentes, the local liquor), goat cheese and much more…

Must-haves

• Cognac, a PDO brandy
• Charron mussels, tender, fleshy, golden orange and flavoursome…
• Pineau des Charentes, a fortified wine made from a blend of grape juice and Cognac brandy
• Fleur de Sel gourmet sea salt from the Île de Ré
• Marennes-Oléron oysters, famous worldwide.
Charente-Maritime is home to many excellent products. These contribute to the delicacy and authenticity of its local cuisine, itself a reflection of French gastronomy, which has been declared part of the world’s “intangible cultural heritage” by UNESCO.

André

In the old harbour, decorated in a nautical theme, André is best known for its large fish and seafood platters at reasonable prices, including the wine. Here you can try oysters, sea bass with “beurre blanc charentais”, turbot with artichokes or crabs. What you are having is all up to you!

Located near the town’s best-known fish shop, Chez Fred is also an excellent venue for seafood. This restaurant is very popular and booking a table here is essential. It is recommended to try the succulent roast “rascasse”!

​Address: 30/34 rue St Nicolas, La Rochelle​Phone: +33 546 41 65 76

Richard Coutanceau

Richard Coutanceau is one of La Rochelle’s finest restaurants with several fine specialities like the tartar of prawns in oyster jelly or the curried turbot with coriander. This is the right venue for demanding gourmets!

Located at the foot of the Three Towers, Les Flots is a gastronomic venue (owned by Coutanceau), which features a varied and fine menu. Changes in the menu are made according to the “catch” of the day.

La Marine is a Brasserie that features seafood platters, oysters and a variety of fish dishes. The fish stew and the fermented cabbage are particularly good. There are also several grilled meat dishes available. You can sit and have dinner at this restaurant having an excellent view of the old harbour and the Three Towers.

With so many great seafood restaurants in la Rochelle, why not try this restaurant that offers a great regional cuisine with an extensive variety of wines. The duck breast in honey lime at Les 4 Sergents is claimed to be just perfect!

At this restaurant you can enjoy an innovative dinner in a warm atmosphere. Le Thiers Temps is popular among its guest and on the menu you will find courses such as fois gras, cod and the Nutella crème brulée.

Le Cabanon des Pecheurs is the perfect restaurant if you love seafood. At this restaurant you can try various traditional dishes with daily fresh ingredients. There is certainly something for everyone on the menu here.

This inviting restaurant has a cosy and warm atmosphere and is popular among its guests because of the great service and excellent dishes. Baitona is passionate about great products so expect the dishes to be beautifully presented.

This restaurant is a great choice if you are looking for something different. Les Perot-Quais is truly popular among its customers and serves lovely dishes with thrilling combinations of food and flavours.

Claimed by its customers to be brilliant, Au Gout du Jour is a hidden gem in La Rochelle. Sit outside and eat by the small tables or dine indoors, whatever you choose you can expect a great dinner with great service.

​Address: 10 Rue Saint-Nicolas, La Rochelle​Phone: +33 546 41 86 69

L'Ecluse

This family friendly restaurant specialises in seafood in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. L'Ecluse is recommended by its customers and is truly another hidden gem in La Rochelle.

​Address: 22 rue de la Monnaie, La Rochelle​Phone: +33 546 41 78 46

Le Comptoir des Voyages

With its fusion cuisine, Le Comptoir des Voyages serves different types of dishes along with an astonishing wine list. This restaurant lets you discover flavors from a new country every two months. For example you can try the ‘Counter Delights menu”.

La Grand’rive is a cult venue and claimed to be one of the best cafés in town. With its terrace on the Old Port, it is an ideal place for an “apéro” (as the French call this aperitif) of the local Pineau (the sweet fortified local wine).

If you are hungry for tea time you can try Ernest le Glacier. Here you can find the town’s most splendid artistic ice cream! You will certainly have many beautiful and tasty options to choose from at Ernest Le Glacier.

Bistrot Des Pêcheurs is an ordinary French café and crêperie, yet popular for its typical fishermen breakfast: six oysters and a glass of wine! You will get plenty of energy to start your day with, the local way.

​Address: 2 rue de la Chaîne, La Rochelle​Phone: +33 546 41 25 16

La Rochelle at night is busy and eclectic, especially from July to September. Most of the happenings are centred in the old town and the old harbour, from quai Duperré to cours des Templiers. This area becomes a big pedestrian zone, with many street performers and a fun atmosphere. It is a good start before moving to one of the many pubs or bars, which feature live concerts. For those who love dancing there are some great night clubs to go to for the rest of the night. There is also a casino for the gamblers!

Corrigan’s

With a melting pot of people, there is always something going on at the Corrigan’s. You can enjoy yourself in with a relaxed atmosphere at this typical Irish pub with a good beer and a huge jukebox.

La Rochelle is not a big city, yet it is the home to many Irish pubs. The General Humbert’s is another great Irish pub, with all the perfect ingredients and the legendary Guinness pints! Come here to have fun with friends, listen to music and have a good time.

The shopping in La Rochelle is wonderful and centred in the Old Town’s intimate and personable streets. Here you can find a large number of boutiques and craftsmen, nice antiques, jewellery stores, designer names and chain stores. The summer fairs offer great bargains. On 17 Rue du Temple, ladies might love the Acte II boutique, a clothing shop with very original designs in thick cloth or wool. The palette of colours is original and warm. Not far, on Rue Saint Nicholas, the Librairie Grefine is a great shop packed with the latest and vintage cartoons, mangas, illustrated books and a crowd of miniatures!
Place du Marché is home to a very interesting and colourful indoors market. Here you will find fresh food products, first-class fish and seafood and rare local and tasty goat cheeses. Shopping on Ré Ilsand is also worth a visit! Here you can find open-air markets with local products and scrumptious seafood as well as many great, not to be missed, shops.
On Quai Job Foran, La Loubine has clothes especially designed for sea activities. In Lacouarde Sur Mer, a neighbouring village, is Gauchat-Le comptoir des Métiers d’Art (29 Grande Rue), owned by local artists, offers unique creations in metal, pottery, glass and more unusual materials.

La Rochelle, the ultimate port city

It doesn’t take long for visitors to fall under the spell of the city’s charm, with its three old-port towers standing guard over the sea. There are plenty of things to see and do in La Rochelle, which boasts the most visited aquarium in France, historic districts full of lively restaurants and designer stores, a wide range of luxury hotels, a world-famous marina and dockyards buzzing with activity.
La Rochelle pioneered the introduction of the self-service urban cycle hire system, back in 1974!

The international airport, Aéroport La Rochelle-Ile de Ré, is located only 5 kilometres from the city centre.
The cheapest and fastest way to get into town is by bus. Buses are available Mon-Sat, running from the airport to the centre of La Rochelle, and vice-versa, about every 30 minutes. On Sundays there are 9 buses. The journey takes about 15 minutes and costs €1.30.
There are many taxis available at the airport. It is advisable to book a taxi in advance.
Abeille Taxi
+33 546 41 55 55
taxilarochelle@orange.fr
http://www.taxi-la-rochelle.com
Mélitourisme
+33 648 22 87 32
contact@melitourisme.fr
http://www.melitourisme.fr
For rental cars you can contact one of the car rental companies situated at the airport. Available companies at the airport are: Sixt, Europcar, Avis, Hertz and Enterprise.